Seth Meyers, David Byrne and 13 other reasons to leave your house this spring

BY PATRICIA CORRIGAN, Special To The Jewish Light

Published March 30, 2026

As the weather heats up, the lure of enticing cultural events pulls people out to hear live music, see a play, tour an exhibit, sit spellbound at an opera, linger at a flower show, attend a dance concert or enjoy a special outing with the kids or grandkids. As spring unfolds, the inclination is even stronger to take advantage of the rich bounty available in the metropolitan area.

Here are just a few highlights scheduled between now and May 20:

• Lean in at New Jewish Theatre’s production of “Prayer for the French Republic” (April 16-May 3)

• Laugh loud and long at “Monty Python’s Spamalot” (May 5-17)

Peruse the offerings, check your calendar, score tickets and prepare to be out and about.

Ann Hampton Callaway brings pop-jazz brilliance to City Winery

Tony Award-nominated singer and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway performs at 7:30 p.m. April 2 at City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way. Jazz Times critic Christopher Loudon has called her a “superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist” in the company of Barbra Streisand and Linda Ronstadt.

Tickets start at $42. Details at citywinery.com/st-louis.

‘9 to 5’ musical brings Dolly Parton’s hit film to the stage

Based on the classic 1980 film and featuring songs by Dolly Parton, “9 to 5” runs April 2–25 at Stray Dog Theatre at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave. The production tells a story of workplace friendship, empowerment and revenge.

Tickets and show information at straydogtheatre.org/9to5.

‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie’ explores science and scandal

Lauren Gunderson’s “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” runs April 3–19 at the Gaslight Theatre, 360 North Boyle Ave. The play focuses on the Nobel Prize winner’s retreat from public life following intense public scrutiny and highlights the strength of female friendship.

Showtimes and tickets at stlas.org.

Jhumpa Lahiri to receive 2026 St. Louis Literary Award

Author Jhumpa Lahiri will receive the 2026 St. Louis Literary Award at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Lahiri is known for novels including “The Namesake,” “The Lowland” and “In Altre Parole,” along with short stories, poetry and nonfiction.

Tickets are $15. Information at slu.edu.

Miles Electric Band celebrates jazz legend’s electric era

“MEB: Miles Electric Band” runs April 8–12 at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Ave. Vince Wilburn Jr., an Emmy and Grammy-winning producer and drummer, leads the performances featuring Miles Davis alumni and emerging jazz artists.

Showtimes and tickets at my.jazzstl.org/3937.

Saint Louis Art Museum opens ‘Visions of Antiquity’

“Visions of Antiquity,” exploring the influence of Greek and Roman art from 1500 to today, opens April 10 at the Saint Louis Art Museum and runs through Oct. 18. The free exhibit examines how classical themes have inspired artists across centuries.

Details at slam.org.

Seth Meyers brings stand-up show to The Factory

Late-night host Seth Meyers performs live stand-up at 7 p.m. April 10 at The Factory. Meyers has hosted NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” since 2014 and tours nationally.

Tickets at thefactorystl.com.

Sep 12, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seth Meyers attends the 74th Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2022.. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Grillot for USA TODAYSep 12, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA;

Ailey II premieres Chuck Berry-inspired dance work

The Ailey II dance company performs April 10–11 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, including the world premiere of “Berry Dreamin,” inspired by Chuck Berry and commissioned by Dance St. Louis.

Tickets at metrotix.com.

New Jewish Theatre stages ‘Prayer for the French Republic’

Joshua Harmon’s “Prayer for the French Republic” runs April 16–May 3 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. The play explores Jewish identity, history and the question of safety in modern times.

Showtimes and tickets at newjewishtheatre.org.

Upstream Theater presents ‘The End of the World Cabaret’

Adapted from Jura Soyfer’s 1936 satire, “The End of the World Cabaret” runs April 17–May 3 at the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive.

Performance details at upstreamtheater.org.

Saint Louis Ballet brings back ‘Cinderella’

Saint Louis Ballet presents “Cinderella” April 24–26 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, featuring new sets and costumes by British designer Peter Farmer.

Information and tickets at metrotix.com.

David Byrne launches world tour stop at Stifel Theatre

David Byrne’s “Who is the Sky Tour” comes to Stifel Theatre at 8 p.m. April 28 and 29, celebrating his first album since 2018.

Tickets at stifeltheatre.com.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Marvel concert experience

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs “Marvel Infinity Saga in Concert” May 1–3 at Powell Hall, featuring music from 23 Marvel Cinematic Universe films conducted by Anthony Parnther.

Concert details at slso.org.

‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ gallops into the Fox Theatre

The Tony Award-winning musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot” runs May 5–17 at the Fox Theatre, featuring a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle.

Tickets at fabulousfox.com.

‘Dancing with the Stars: Live!’ returns to Stifel Theatre

“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” comes to Stifel Theatre at 7:30 p.m. May 6, featuring guest co-host Elaine Hendrix.

Tickets at stifeltheatre.com.